Family of Guelph, Ont., police officer killed in crash mourn family glue

The family of a Guelph, Ont., police officer killed in an on-duty car crash early Thursday thanked the public for their sympathy.

Const. Jennifer Kovach, 26, was responding to a call to assist another officer at about 12:30 a.m. when her car crossed the centre line and hit a bus.

Kovach’s family released a statement Saturday, thanking people for their support. Kovach was a "cherished member of a loving family," they said.

Her brother, Brian, said she was "the glue that kept our family together."

Her father, Bill, is proud that his daughter continued in the family tradition of community service: He was an EMS member, Kovach’s stepmother Donna is an emergency nurse and her mother, Gloria, is a city councillor.

Her family said her "giving spirit" remains even after her death, as she had signed her organ donor card.

A public funeral for Kovach will be held Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Sleeman Centre.